Life at the Speed of Light

From the Double Helix to the Dawn of Digital Life

The renowned scientist and author of A Life Decoded examines the creation of life in the new field of synthetic genomics

In 2010, scientists led by J. Craig Venter became the first to successfully create "synthetic life"--putting humankind at the threshold of the most important and exciting phase of biological research, one that will enable us to actually write the genetic code for designing new species to help us adapt and evolve for long-term survival. The science of synthetic genomics will have a profound impact on human existence, including chemical and energy generation, health, clean water and food production, environmental control, and possibly even our evolution.

In Life at the Speed of Light , Venter presents a fascinating and authoritative study of this emerging field from the inside--detailing its origins, current challenges and controversies, and projected effects on our lives. This scientific frontier provides an opportunity to ponder anew the age-old question "What is life?" and examine what we really mean by "playing God." Life at the Speed of Light is a landmark work, written by a visionary at the dawn of a new era of biological engineering.

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A fairly difficult book to read; the first and last thirds of the book could be followed with difficulty and the middle third got so technical that it was well beyond my knowledge. Nevertheless, the topic is fascinating, and the questions, problems, and most of all, the possibilities it raises are profound.